System of and apparatus for gun-fire control



T ig 5.

E. M. HEWLETT ET AL SYSTEM OF AND APPARATUS FOR GUN FIRE CONTROL May 3,1927. 1,626,824

Filed April 9, 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet l TO OTHER GU/V DIRE C TOR T .72 Inven-Eors: L

Waldo W. Willard,

5 Their A't'borney.

Edward M. l-lewle-t-t,

I 1,626,824 May 3, 1927. M" HEWLETT ET AL SYSTEM OF AND APPARATUS FOR GUN FIRE CONTROL Filed April 9, 1924 S Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig 5.

lnven-borsz Eg w ard M. l-lewle-tt 7 (10 W. Willard,

Their Attorheg.

I 1,626,824 May 192? E. M. HEWLETT ET AL SYSTEM OF AND APPARATUS FOR GUN FIRE CONTROL Filed April 9. 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 /07 //a @4 95 j M [06a /26 66 I lm/en-tor;

Edward M.HewIe-l:-t, Waldo w. wiuar-ql,

b5 JZ MAQ J25; Their A-t-torneg.

Patented May 3, 1 927. I

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWABQM. HEWLETT AND WALDO WILLARD, OF SCHENECTADY, YORK, AS-

SIGNORS TO GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, A. CORPORATION OE "{NEW YORK.

SYSTEM or AND arrana'rus ron eon-Finn contract.

Application filed April 9, 1924. Serial No. 705,350.

This invention relates to the control of guns and the like, more particularly to the control of such devices on ship-board, and has for its object the provision of a system 6 of and apparatus for controlling guns and the like whereby corrections may be introduced accurately without reference to the inclination of the ships deck or other support for the gun i In the directing of guns it is customary to introduce adjustments or corrections for range and deflection without taking into consideration the angular position of the'elevation' and train axes of the un. Now the range correction, which is a unction of the range, as calculated is an angular adjusttially in section along the line 5-5 of Fig. 6 looking in the direction, of the arrgws,

showing apparatus for introducing corrections embodyin our invention; Fig. 6 is a v fragmentary plan view of Fig. 5; 7 is a diagrammatic view of a gear train; 1g.

"8 is a single line diagrammatic view of the.

electrical connections of the control system shown in Fig. 2; while Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan view showing details of construction.

Referring to Fig. 1, guns, sighting devices, and. the like are ordinarily mounted to have freedom ofmovement about two axes at right angles to each other. I For example, the gun 10 is adjustable about a train axis ment'to be applied-in a vertical plane. That and an elevation axis 3 which are is, for a definite range the gun must be adjusted to a definite angle with the horizontal 2 to compensate for curvature of the trajectory. In 'a similar manner the deflection correctionis calculated from the velocity and direction of the wind, drift, speed and direction cf the ship and target, etc., and as calculated is an angular adjustment to be applied in a horizontal plane. When the ship s deck or-other support for the gun is inclined, it is obvious that the train and elevation axes of the gun are not respectively vertical and horizontal.

conditions the range and deflectioncorrec- .tions cannot be correctly introduced if applied about the train and elevation axes of the gun, since these corrections which are 85 calculated in true horizontal and Vertical lanes would then be introduced in quite ifl'erent planes.

In carrying out our invention we provide, means whereby the range and deflection cor- 40 rections may be actually applied in vertical and horizontal planes.

For a more complete understanding of our 1 invention, reference should be had to the accompanying'drawing in which Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showin the principles .of operation of our invention; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing a system of fire control embodying our invention; 1 s.

3 and 4 are diagrammatic views showing 518 motion transmitting instruments; Fig. 5 is a' fragmentary elevation view, taken par- Clearly under these at right angles to each other. It will be observed that these train and elevation axes are respectively vertical and horizontal only when the ship 11 on which the gun is mounted is on an even keel as indicated in dotted lines. When the ship'rolls' to one side, as shown, then the training of the gun about the axis H does not take place m a horizontal plane and the elevating of the gun about axis yg does not take place ina vertical plane. The train and elevation movements of the gun, therefore, may. or may not take place in respectively horlzon- 'tal and vertical planes depending on the position of the ship. With-the ship in the position shown, suppose for example that the gun is to be given an adjustment in elevation 'for the range of the target represented by thevector a-b and a deflection adjustment in train represented by the vector b--0. This range adjustment 0-6 is calculated from range tables and its value is based on the assumption that it will be applied in a vertical lane. The deflection served direction and velocity of the wind, direction and speed of the ship and target, .etc., and its value is based onthe asumption that it will be applied in a horizontal plane. It would obviously he impracticable to attempt to calculate range and deflection corrections to correspond with the angular position of the ship, since it is impossible to foretell the exact position of the ship adjustment b-0 is -ca culated from the ob-- when these corrections are to be introduced. \Vith the ship in the position shown, if the range correction is applied by adjusting the gun about axis 3 ,g then the .correction actually introduced would be represented by the vector a-e and, likewise, if the deflection correction is applied by adjusting the gun about the axis a2a the correction actu ally introduced would be represented by the vector e-f. It will thus be observed that the corrections introduced under these conditions as affecting the position of the gun are entirely different from those which it is desired to introduce. It will also be observed that the corrections may be correctly applied by moving the gun about its train and elevation axes if the gun is adjusted about the axis 3 3 by an amount represented by the vector ag, and about axis w:z: by an amount represented by vector (]-0. The vectors ag and gc are obviously entirely difi'erent from the calculated vectors ab and bc.

By means of our invention, the calculated corrections represented by vectors a-b and bare applied to suitable mechanism and actually introduced in the respective vertical and horizontal planes, for which they were calculated. It is the function of the mechanism to regenerate these corrections in terms of coordinates which may be di rectly applied in adjusting the gun'in elevation and train. That is, under the conditions assumed in Fig. 1, the corrections a--b and Z)@ will be introduced in the mechanism in respectively vertical and horizontal planes whereby the mechanism is caused to generate the vectors a-g and 9'c which are then applied to the gun by moving it about its train and elevation axes.-

Referring to Fig. 2 of the drawing We have shown our invention in one form as applied to a system of gun fire control comprising a telescope or sighting device 12 for directing the gun 13.;shown as mounted in a turret 13*. Associated with the sighting device 12 are motion repeating instruments for transmitting its angular movements in train and elevation. For the purpose of illustration we have shown the sighting device 12 in diagrammatic form as mounted on a supporting pedestal 12 which is movable with the sighting device about the train axis of the sighting device. It will be understood that the sighting device and gun are each mounted as described in connection with Fig. 1 to rotate about train and elevation axes. The train axes of the sighting device and the gun are fixed and parallel with each other, while the elevation axes of the sighting device and gun are rotatable about their respective train axes but are constrained to thus rotate in parallel planes. Geared to the pedestal 12 are the motion transmitting devices 14 and 15 in train.

Preferably two motion transmitting devices operating in high and low speed ratios are used, as shown, for the purpose of obtaining greater accuracy, the transmitting device 14 being direct connected to, the pedestal so as to transmit the angular movements in train of the sighting device in a 1:1 ratio, while the transmitting device 15 is geared to be operated at a high speed ratio, for example, 72:1, so that on revolution of the transmitting device 15 will correspond to five degrees movementof the pedestal. To effect the transmission of the movements of: the sighting device 12 in elevation, an elevation gear sector 16 may be carried by the sighting device geared to which are two transmitting devices 17 and 18 similar to transmitting devices 14 and 15. Transmitting device 17 is connected to be operated at a high speed 72:1 ratio with the sighting device while the device 18 is connected through gearing 19 so as to be operated at a low speed 1: 1 ratio therewith.

The output circuits ,of the transmitting devices 14, 15 and 17, 18 are connected respectively through a suitable switch 20 to two sets of busses 21 and 22 by means of which the outputs of the transmitting devices are transmitted first through an intermediate device 23 in which range-and deflection corrections are introduced and thence by way of two sets of busses 24 and 24 to the turret 12. In the turret, the ouputs in train as modified by instrument 23 are transmitted through transformers 25 and 26, and thence to an in dicating device 27' adjacent to the gun and in position to be easily observed by the gun trainer. In like manner, the outputs in elevation as modified by instrument 23 are transmitted through transformers 28 and 29 in the turret and thence to an indicator 30 similar to indicator 27. The transformer 26 is connected through a pinion 31 to the tun ret training rack 32 so as to be operated at a high speed 72:1 ratio with the movement of the gun in train, while transformer 25 is connected with transformer 26 through a gear train 33 to operate in a 1:1 ratio with the turret. In a similar manner the transformer 28 is geared to the gun so as to be operated at a high speed 72: 1 ratio with its movement in elevation, for example, by means of a pinion 34' meshing with an elevation gear sector 35 on the gun slide while transformer 29 is connected therewith through a gear train 36 to operate in a 1:1 ratio with the movement of the gun in elevation. If desired, an auxiliary sighting device or-director may be provided in case of damage to the first. This auxiliary director may be, connected to the busses 21 and 22 by means of a switch 20".

Although any suitable system may be used for transmitting the movements of the sighting device 12.andfor reproducing or repeating these movements at the gun, preferably ing device of SlIIlll'tthOOIlSliI'llCiZlOIl, each comprising an armature winding preferably on the stator member and a field winding preferably mounted on the rotor member. Thus,

as shown in Fig. 3 the transmitting devices 14, 15 and 17 ,18 may each comprise a threecircuit armature winding 36 on its stator member and a field winding 37 on its rotor member. The field winding of each transmitting or receiving device is supplied with alternating current from a suitable source and therefore induces voltages in the circuits of its cooperating armature winding, the relative magnitude of the voltages depending on the angular relation of the windings. As connected in. a system, like points of the armature windings of the two transmitting and receiving devices are interconnected so that when the rotors of the two are in angular agreement the voltages induced in the armature windings are opposed and balanced, but upon, angular movement of the transmitter rotor the voltages are unbalanced and an exchange of the current results between the armature windings whereby a torque is applied to the rotor of the respective receiver causing it to follow and reproduce the movement applied to the transmitter. In the arrangement shown, the transmitter 14 is connected through instrument 23 and transformer 25 to operate a receiver 14 in the indicator 27 which receiver turns a coarse reading dial 27 of indicator 27, while transmitter 15 is similarly connected through in strument 23 and transformer 26 to operate a receiver 15 of indicator 27, which receiver turns a fine reading dial 27 b of the indicator 27 In like manner the transmitters 17 and 18 control the receivers 17 and 18 respectively of the indicator 30, these receivers turmng fine and coarse reading dials 30 and 30" respectively of the indicator 30. In the,

particular system disclosed, however, the transmitters 17 and 18 are not electrically connected to the receivers 17' and 18, various mechanism of instrument 23, being interposed, as will be hereinafter describedin detail. The receivers 17 and 18*, however, are responsive to movement applied to transmitters 17 and 18.

The correcting devices or transformers 25, 26 and 28, 29 are similar in construction.

-As shown in Fig. 4, each comprises two three-clrcult cooperatlng armature wlndlngs 38 and 39, one of which is rotatably mounted. When the windings 38 and 39 are in corresponding positions, the movements transmitted by the transmitting devices willnot be afi'ected by the transformers and under these conditions the dials -oftheindicators 27 and 30 will show'the total movements required to be applied to the gun.

When the pointer and trainer adjust the gun, as directed by the indicators, the movements of the gun are applied to the rotating elements of the respective transformers in such direction that the displacement of the windings 38 and 39 of each transformer caused thereby resalts in a shifting ofthe voltages applied to the receiving devices sueh that the dials of the indicators are turned back toward zero. When the dials are on zero the operator knows that the gun is'in the, position designated by the sighting device as modified by instrument 23.

The instrument 23 comprises mechanism by means of which the range and deflection corrections may be introduced in true vertical and horizontal planes and automatically regenerated ormodified' in terms of elevation and train components which are super imposed either mechanically or electrically on the elevation and train outputs sent out from the sighting device. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, this instrument is'provided .With a pilot gun 40 the angular position of which when properly adjusted is an indication of the desired angular position ofthe gun. In construction, the pilot gun takes .the form of an inverted U, the lower endS of which are pivotally mounted on hearing posts 41 and 42. These bearing posts are supported on a plate or platform 43 which is secured to the upper end of a tubular support 44 and held concentric with a supporting pedestal 45 of the instrument by means of suitable bearings one of which is inclicated by numeral46. The plate 43 is supported on a ball bearing 48. The upper end a of the pilot gun 40 has a pivotal connection 49 with a member 50, consisting of two adjustable parts 50 and 50", which is pivotally mounted on a member 52, constituting a mimic sighting device, so as to be rotatable I an axis perpendicular to axis zz. The bearing posts are moilnted on an upper table or plate 55. This table 55 is supported on a suitable bearing 56 -on the upper end of tubular member 44 and is held concentric with member 44 by suitable bearings one of which is indicated ;by numeral 58. The bearing axes of the two pairs of posts 41, 42 and 53, 54 lie in the same plane and are intersected at a common point by the axis z z and also b the axis of pivot 49 which is at right angles to the axis of the bearing posts 41 and 42. The axis z-z is at right angles to the axis of posts 53 and 54 so as to be rotatable about the bearing posts 53 and 54 on which the 43 and '55 is parallel with the train axes of the-sighting device and gun.

- A. spirit level GOand a gyroscopic'lcvel- 61 are mounted'on part- 50 tofacilitate the accurate .adjustmentof thepart 50 about axis z.z to a vertical position. i This adjustment may be effected by ineansof a hand crank 62. mounted on member 52, driving a suitable worm 62 which cooperates with an clo- 1U so as to bring member 50 back to a verticalposition as'indicatcd' by the levels. It is contemplated that the more accurate gyro,

her 52.

. scopic level will ordinarily be used.

-.pil0t gun.

A gear sector '64'is secured to the pilot gun and moves wlth'thc pilot gun abou-tits trun nion axis. This gear sector is connected through gear train 65 and bevel'gears'66 to a in the member transmitting device-'67. which is'operatcd thereby in a 72:1 ratio with the angular -movement of the pilot gun about its 'trun ,in a 1 :1 ratio therewith. The transmittingdevices 67 and'68 thus transmit in their rcspective ratios, the angle of elevation of the They are electrically connected by way of basses 241 and through transform ers 28' and 29: to the receivers 17 and 18*- .re-

.85 spectively of. indicating device 30. These transmitting devices togetherwith the gear train69 are mounted on the table 43. Suitable apertures 70 and 7 0 are provided in the upper table through which the bearing posts 41 and 42 and the gear train extend.

As the member 50 is moved to bring part i 50 from an inclined to a vertical position,

it will be observed that the table 43 is moved slightly with relation to table 55 about their common train axis. This relative motion of tables 43 and 55 is applied to two transformers or corrective devices 71 and 72 mounted on a supporting plate 73. The supporting plate 7 3 is hung on table 55 by means of suitable spring supports 74 which are provided for the purpose ofabsorbing shocks. A similar' mounting may be provlded for transmitters 67 and 68. Secured to the table 43 is a horizontal gear sector 75 I to which the rotatable members of the transformers 71 and 72 are connected. This connection is effected through a gear sector 76 cooperating with gear sector 75, shaft 77, gear sector 78 and gear 79 to shaft 80. From shaft 80 motion is transmitted through a suitable gear train 81 to transformer 72 in a high speed 72:1 ratio and from shaft 80 through gear train 82 to transformer 71 in a low speed 1:1 ratio. The transformers 71 and 72 are electrically connected respectively between the trans- -mi-tters 14 and 15 in the control station and "the transformers 25 and 26in theturret.

Any movement of the table 43 with relation to the table 55 is thus applied to'the transformers and-introduced as acorrection in thc'train output of the sighting device transmitted to the turret.

To provide for the introduction of the deflection corrections in a true horizontal ed at one/end on a pivot 83, the axis of which is coincidcutwith the axis of table 55. It will be understood that the part 50 I I As shown in;

50 which arm is adjustable-in a slot:85.

adjusted about its pivot 83 by means of a knob-'86 turning a worm 87, carried by thepart 50", whichcooperates with a worm sector 88 secured to arm 84. It will be observed'that this adjustment, which is in a horizontal plane, since part 50- is maintainedin a vertical positiom'causes-rotationof table 43 in train which movement is appli-edto: transformers .71 and 72 and is The part 50*may be.

thetrain componentof deflection. To facilitate the deflection adjustment a suitable scale 86 may be provided on the knob 86,

and a fixed mark 86 cooperating with the scale.

In order to permit the introduction of range corrections in a true vertical plane, the part 50 is formed with a gear sector 90 which is maintained vertical. This gear sector is described about the point of intersection of axis zz and the trunnion axis of the pilot gun as a center. Fitting over and slidably mounted on the gear sector 90 is a guide member 91 to which the upper end of the pilot gun is connected by the pivot 49. vThe axis of pivot 49 extends along a radius of gear sector .90 and is the line of fire of the pilot gun. Carried by the guide member 91 is a gear 92 which meshes with the gear sector 90. This gear 92 is secured to a shaft in common with a worm "gear 93, cooperating with which is a worm 94 which-may be turned by means of a knurled knob 95 whereby the gear 92 is turned and thus caused to travel on the gear sector 90 to effect the range adjustment of the pilot gun in a vertical plane. The range correction may thus be introduced by turning knob 95 Preferably a suitable scale 95 secured to the knob and cooperating with a fixed mark 95 are provided to facilitate the adjustment.

The mimic sighting device is adjusted in train into angular agreement with the sightin device 10 by moving the table 55 and the ta le 43 together as a unit on the supporting pedestal 45 until axis zX-a has the same.

direction in train as the sighting device 10.

This-movement in train of the tables on the pedestal is effected by turning a handwheel 96 carried by table 55, which handwheel has a driving connection through a gear train .97 with a stationary ring gear .98 mounted 'table 55. These transformers have the construction shown in Fig. 4 bein provided with two relatively rotatable t rec-circuit armature windings. They areelectrically connected in circuit between the transmitting devices 14 and 15 and receiving devices of support 73.

101 and 102 driving indicating dials 101 and 102 respectively. Thus, as the sighting device 10 is adjusted in train thedials 101? and 102 will sh bw the amount of this angular movement and the operator will then-adjust the table in train by means of handwheel 96 to bring the dials back to zero. It will be' understood that in making this adjustment the windings of the transformers are displaced'with relation to each other so as to neutralize the movements transmitted by devices 14 and 15, as in the case of the transformers at the turrets. Preferablyfihe transformers and gearing are mounted on a supporting plate 103, resiliently hung on the table 55 in the manner Referring to Fig. 7, showing in diagrammatic form the gear train 97, under normal operating cond tions, motion is transmitted from the handwheel 96 by way of bevel gears 105, shaft 106, spur gear 106, spur gears 107 and 108 which are secured together and rotata-bly mounted. on shaft 109, gear 110, shaft 111, gear 112 and gear 113- to the transformer 99, and from gear 114 secured to shaft 111, through gear 115,

shaft 109," gears 116 and 117; shaft 118,-

gears 119 and 120, shaft 121, and gears 112 and 123 to transformer 100. Gear 124 meshes with the pedestal gear '98 and is rigidly attached to shaft 118 so as to be turned thereby and move the tables 43 and '55 around, the pedestaL- The spur gears 117 and 125 are rotatably mounted on shaft 118.

gears maybe connected to shaft .118 as desired by means of a clutch comprising two sleeves 126 and 127 slidably mounted on shaft 118. The sleeves may be moved together longitudinally on shaft 118 by means of a yoke member (not shown) in a well known manner and are provided with teeth'cooperating respectively with similar teeth in clutch members secured to gears '119 and 125. The sleeve 126 is splined on the shaft 118 so as to rotate therewith, while the sleeve 127 is rotatably mounted on shaft 118 but connected to gear 117 by means of a radial arm 128. Thus when the clutch sleeves are in their upper positions asshown, gear 125 is free on shaft 118 and gear 117 is connected to, rotate with shaft 118 through sleeve 127, the teeth of.

which cooperate with the clutch counterpart carried by gear 119. In case it is desired to swing the dummy. gun around rapidly to follow the sighting devieelO, for example, in shifting from one target to another,.the clutch sleeves will preferably be thrown downwardwhereby gear 117 is released from shaft 118 while gear 125 is connected to shaft 118. The drive' from the handwheel is now through bevel gears 105, shaft 106, gears 106, 107, 108 and 125, shaft 118 and gear 124 to the pedestal gear 98 which give a much lower gear ratiowhereby the dummy gun can be'swung quickly around the pedestal.

It will be observed also that this change in 95 gear ratio reduces the operating ratio for the high speed,tra-nsformer 99. The widths of the clutch teeth are designed of such width, however, that when the clutch sleeves are thrown back to normal operating position, the high speed transformer is connected again in synchronous relation with the sighting device.

The mimic sighting device is adjusted in elevation in accordance with the movements of the sighting device 10 until axis zz has the same elevation as the sighting device by means of a handwheel 130, (Figs. 5 and 6) which is connected through gearing 131, the rotor shaft 132 of a correcting device or transformer 133 and .gearin 133' to a horizontal'shaft 134 provided with a worm 135.

This worm 135 meshes with a worm gear sector 136 which depends from member 52. The various elements of .this driving con nection are mounted ontable 55. A second,

correcting device'or transformer 137 is'connected through gear train 138 so as to be,

vices 17 and 18, the connection leading through the transformersto two receiving devices 139 and 140 carried by table 55 and I driving dials 139 and 140". Thus, any

movement in elevation 'of the sighting device is shown by the dials, and the operator in 2 The transformers 133 an d 137 are electrically con-- nected in circuit with the transmitting .de-

turning handwheel 130 to apply this movement to the mimic sighting device 52, and hence to the dummy gun, so affects the transformers 133 and 137 as to cause the dials to be moved back to zero.

As has been seen, the adjustment of member 52 is such that the axis zz is maintained exactly parallel with the line of sight of the sighting device and thus represents the line sight to the target. The elevation correction given the pilot gun 40 by means of knob 95 is made with respect to axis z-z. It will be observed that when part 50 is adjusted about axis 2-2 to a vertical position the pilot gun is thereby moved about axis zz so as to describe a cone.

Tracing briefly the electrical connections of the system as shown in single line diagram in Fig. 8, it will be observed that-the transmitters 1st and in train feed respectively through transformers 71 and 72 'in instrument 23, by means of which the defleetion corrections are introduced and thence to the turret and through transformers and 26 in the turret to receivers 14: and 15. The transmitters Hand 15 feed also through transformers 100 and 99 respectively to the receivers 102 and 101 all in the instrument 23 whereby the instrument 23 can be adjusted in train. In elevation, the transmitters 17 and 18 feed respectively through transformers 133 and 137 in instrument 23 to receivers 139 and 140 in this instrument. As has been previously explained, this elevation output of transmitters 17 and 18 is applied'to the apparatus of the instrument 23 and regenerated as modified by the range correction by transmitters ($7 and 68. latter transmitters feed respectively through transformers 28 and 29 in the turret to receivers 17 and 18.

In the operation of our invention, the operator in the control station adjusts the sight-' ing device 12 in elevation to such position that the sighting device will be directed'on the target in the paricular part of the roll in which it is desired to fire the guns. The sighting device is then held fixed in elevation and the guns fired when it rolls on .the target. Intrain, the'sighting device is maintained directed on the target in all positions of the ship. These elevation and train movements thus applied to the sightingdevice are thereby applied to the respective transmitting devices, whereby ,.dials 101, 102 and 139*, 140 on the instrument 23 are turned to indicate the amount-and direction of the movements. The mimic si hting device 52 of the instrument 23 isadjusted in elevation and train by turning handwheels 96 and 130 in the direction and amounts indicated by the dials, the dials being thereby turned back to zero. The range having been determined by means of suitable range finders or otherwise and the range correction de- These termined, the range correction will beapplied to the pilot gun in a true vertical plane by means of knob 95, it being understood that part is held vertcal by means of crank 62 Likewise, the windage drift, speed of ship, etc., having been determined and the deflection correction determined therefrom,

plied to-the transformers 71 and 72 and. I

thereby introduced into the train output of transmitters 14 and 15, while the elevation components of the range and deflection corrections together with the elevation of the mimc sighting device are applied to the transmitting devices 67 and 68. In themeantime the gun is adjusted as directed by dials 14*, 15 and 17*, 18", these dials being maintained on zero. As the ship rolls and pitches the elevation and train com onents of range and deflection will obvious y vary with the position of the ship but these changes are automatically taken care of by the act of maintaining part 50 vertical. Thus as the part 50 is moved. about axis to a vertical position it will be observed that the elevation of the pilot gun and also its train will be changed to correspond with the new position ofthe ship. These'changs are the changes required to correct the introduced range and deflection corrections for the new position of the train and elevation planes of the gun. This change in elevation 38 applied to transmitting devices (37 and ()8 while the change in train is applied to transformers 71. and 72. The train output of transnnttmg devices 14 and 15 Will also vary as the sighting device is moved in train. As-

sumvng given range and deflection corrections, the gun will, therefore, be adjusted in both train and elevation in accordance with the change in the elevation and train components of these corrections, and the change intrain of the sighting device. The gun trainer and pointer, however, have only to adjust the gun so as to maintain the indicators 27 and 30 on zero.

For the purpose of simplicity we have disclosed our invention without reference to mechanism for introducingcorrections for parallax in either elevation or train. It should be understood, however, that our invention is equally applicable to systems wherein mechanism forintroducing corrections for parallax may be used. The introduction of parallax corrections in no way afiects the operation of our invention.

While we have described our invention as embodied in concrete form and as operating in a specific manner in accordance with the provisionsof the patent statutes, it should be understood that we do not limit our invention thereto, since various modifications in elevation. and

,vation' and train in applied to said corrective thereof will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of our invention, the scope of which is set forth in the annexed claims.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. The combination with a gun, of a mount therefor on which the gun is adjustable in a set of planes varying in angular position with the angular position of said mount, and means for generating corrections with reference to said planes in their various positions, said corrections being applied to said means with reference to a set of fixed planes.

2. The combination with a gun, of a mount therefor on which the gun-is adjustable in a set of relatively fixed planes varying in angular position with the angular position of said mount, and means whereby corrective movements applied to said means with reference to a set of fixed planes are regenerated with reference to said relatively fixed planes in their various positions.

3. The combination with a gun, of a mount therefor on which the gun is adjustable in elevation and train planes varying in angular position with the angular position of said mount, and means for generating corrections with reference to said elevation and train planes in their various positions, said corrections bein applied to said means with reference to a vertical and horizontal plane.

4. The combination with a gun, of a mount terms of equivalent components in said moving elevationand train planes.

7. The combination with a gun, of a mount therefor on which the gun is adjustable in a .set of planes varying in angular position with the angular position of said mount, and means for generating corrections with reference to said set of planes in their various positions and subsequently varying said generated corrections upon changes in the angular position of said planes due to angular movement of said mount, said corrections being applied to said means with reference to known fixed planes.

8. A system of gun fire control comprising in combination'with a sighting device and a gun mounted on a common moving support and each adjustable in elevation' and train planes, means operated by movement of said sightin device for generating corrections withre 'erence to said planes in their various positions and subsequently varying said generated corrections upon changes in the angularposition of said planes due to movement of said support, said corrections being applied to said correcting means with reference to known fixed planes.

9. A system of gun fire control comprising in combination with a gun mounted on a' moving support and. adjustable in elevation and train planes varying in angular position with the angular position of the support. means for generating corrections in terms of therefor on which the gun is adjustable in movement referred to said elevation and elevation and train planes varying in angular position in accordance with. the angular position of the said mount, and means operated by the application of corrective movements to said means in vertical and horizon tal planes for regenerating said corrective movements in terms ofmovements in said moving elevation and train planes.

5. A system of gun fire control, comprising in combination with a directing device and a gun mounted on a common moving support and each adjustable in elevation and train .planes, means for transmit-ting the movements of said directing device to said gun, and means for introducing corrections in said transmitted movements in-terms' of equivalent components in said moving elevalanes, said corrections be ing applied to said means in terms of known ed planes.

6. A system of gun fire control comprising a sighting device-and a gun {mounted on acommon mov-m'g support and .each adjustable train planes, means for transmitting the movements of said sighting device to said gun, and means for regenerating and introducing corrections in said transmitted movements, said corrections bemeans with planes and regeneratedsaid corrective means in re erence to ,fixed and introduced by vertical and hori- 10. A system of gun fire control comprising in combination with a sighting device and a gun mounted on a common moving support and each adjustable in eleyationand train planes, means for transmitting the movements of said sighting device in said planes to said gun, and means for varying said transmitted movements in accordance with changes in thev elevation and train of said support. 11. A system of gun fire control comprismg in combination with a sighting device and a gun mounted on a commonimoving support andeach adjustable in elevation and planes due to movement train planes, means for transmitting thet movements of said sighting device in said .planes to said gun, and means operated by and responsive to angular movement ,of said support for varying said transmitted movements in accordance with changes in the, angular position of said elevation and train planes.

angular position of said 12. A system of gun fire control comprising in combination with a sighting device and a gun mounted on a common moving support and each adjustable in elevation and train planes, means for transmitting the movements of said sighting device in said planes to said gun, and means for introducing corrections in said transmitted movements with reference to said elevation and train planes in their various positions, and subsequently varying said introduced corrections in accordance with changes in the position of said elevation and train planes due to movement of said support, said corrections being applied to saidcorreetive means with reference to known fixed planes.

13. The combination with a gun, of a member maintained in a redetermiried angular position in space in ependently of the inclination of the trunnion axis of the gun, a second member, means for adjusting said second-member in accordance with the range, a driving connection between said members whereby said second member is moved in ac cordance with the inclination of' the trunnion axis of the gun, and means for applying the movements of said second member to the train adjustment of the gun.

14. The combination with .a gun, of a member maintained in a predetermined angular position in space independently of the inclination of the trunnion axisof the gun, a second member, means for. adjusting said second member to introduce deflection corrections for the gun, a driving connection between said members whereby said second member is moved in train by an amount required to correct errors in train due to inclination of the trunnion axis of the gun, and means for applying the movements of said second member to the train adjustment of the gun.

" 15. The combination with a gun, of an adjustable member, means for applying move-' ments to said member to introduce deflection corrections, said movements being applied in a horizontal plane independently of the angular position of the train axis 0 f the gun, and a driving connection between said members whereby the train component of said deflection correction is applied to said second member in accordance with the inclination of said train axis, and means for applying said train component to the gun.

16. The combination with a gun, of an adjustable member, means for applying movements, to said member to introduce deflection corrections, said movements being applied in a horizontal plane independently of theangular position of the train axis of the gun, a second member rotatable about an axis parallel with the train ax s of the gun, and a driving connection between said members whereby the train component of said deflection correction is applied to sa1d inclination of the trunnion axis of the gun,

a second-member, means for adjusting said second member in accordance with the range, a driving connection between said members whereby said second member is moved in elevation in accordance with the inclination of the trunnion axis of the gun, and means for applying the movements of said second member to the elevation adjustment of said gun. v

l8."lhe combination with a gun, of a ,member maintained in a predetermined angular position in space independently of the inclination of the trunnion axis of the gun,

a second member, means for adjusting said second member to introduce the range corrections for the gun, a driving connection between said members whereby said second 95 member is moved in elevation by an amount required to correct errors in elevation due to inclination of the trunnion axis of the gun, and means for applying the movements of said second member to the elevation adjustment of the gun.

.19. The combination with a gun, of an adjustable member, means for applying movements to said member to introduce rangecorrections, said movements being ap- 1 plied in a vertical plane independently of the angular position of the trunnion axis of the gun, a second member rotatable about an axis parallel with the trunnion axis of the gun, and a driving connection between said 116 members whereby the elevation component of said range correction is applied to said second member in accordance with the inclination of said trunnion axis, and means for applying said elevation'comp'onent to the gun.

20. The combination with a gun, of an adj ust-able member, means for a plying move ments to said member to intro uee range corrections,-said movements being applied in a 120 vertical plane independently of the angular position of the trunnion axis of the gun, a second member rotatableabout an axis parallel with the trunnion axis of the gun, and a driving-connection between said members whereby the elevation component of said range correction is" applied to said second member in accordance with the inclination 0t, said trunnion axis, means for applying said elevation component to the gun, and 1 means for maintaining said first member in a vertical plane independently of changes in the inclmation of the trunnion axis of the gun whereby said elevation component is accordance with the inclination of, the trunnion axis of the gun, and means for applying the movements of said second member to the gun.

22. A system of gun fire control comprising in combination with a gun mounted on a moving support and adjustable in elevation and train planes varying in angular position with the angular position of said support, a pilot gun mounted on said support and adjustable in elevation and train planes, a single means for movihg said pilot gun in its elevation and train planes to maintain it in a predetermined vertical plane independently of the position of said sup-port, means for adjusting said pilot gun in its elevation and train planes so as to apply thereto in respectively vertical and horizontal planes the range and deflection corrections calculated for the gun, and motion transmitting means associated with said pilot gun for transmitting its movements to the gun.

23. A system of gun fire control comprising a sighting device, a gun, means for transmitting the movements of said sighting device to said gun, a mimic sighting device,

means for applying the movements of said sighting device to said mimic sighting device, a pilotgun, means for maintaining said pilot gun in a vertical plane making a predetermined angle with a vertical plane passing through the line of sight of said mimic sighting device, and means for introducing the movements of said pilot gun as correc; tions in the transmitted movements of said sighting device.

24. A system of gun fire control comprising in combination with a sighting device and a gun mounted on a common moving support and each adjustable in elevation and train planes, a mimic sighting device'and a pilot gun mounted on said support and adju'stable in elevation and train planes, said train planes being parallel, means for adjusting said mimic sighting device to a position of parallelism with said sighting device,

means for giving. said pilot gun an elevation adjustment to be given the gun, means for maintaining said pilot gun in a vertical ing flplane making a predetermined angle with a vertical plane passing through the line of sight of said mimic sighting device, and means for introducing the movements of said pilot gun as corrections in the transmitted movements of said sighting device.

25. A system of gun fire control comprising in combination with a sighting device and a gun mounted on a common moving support and each adjustable in elevation and train lanes, a pilot gun and a mimic sightevice mounted on said support and each adjustable in elevation and in train planes, said train planes being parallel, mo-

tion transmitting means driven by said sighting device, motion receiving means adjacent said mimic sighting device electrically connected to said transmitting means, I

means for adjusting said mimic sighting de'-' vice to a position of parallelism 'with said culated for the gun, a single means for mogsighting device as indicated by said receiving, means, means for adjusting the pilot ing said pilot gun in its elevation and tram planes to maintain. it in a vertical plane making a predetermined angle with the vertical plane passing through said mimic sighting device, and means associated with said pilot gun for transmitting its movements to the gun.

26. Gun directing apparatus comprising a pilot gun, a mimic sighting device mounted in such relation with said pilot gun that its line of sight intersects the line of fire of said pilot gun, a connecting member formion ing a pivoted link between said pilot gun and sighting device, and meansfor adjusting said'connecting member about its pivot on said mimic sighting device to a predetermined angular position whereby said pilot gun is moved in its elevation and train planes.

27. Gun directing apparatus comprising a pilot gun, a mimic sighting device mounted in such relation with said, pilot gnn'that its line of sight intersects the line of fire of said-pilot gun, a connecting member pivotally mounted on said mimic sighting device soias to be'movable about an axis coincident '28. A system of gun fire control comprising in combination with'a sighting device and a gun mounted on a common moving support and each adjustable in elevation and trainplanes, a pilot gun mounted on said member in a predetermined support and adjustable in elevation and train planes, said train planes being parallel, 'a mimic sighting device mounted on said support so that its line of sight intersects the line of fire of said pilot gun, a connecting member pivotally mounted on said sighting device so as to be movable about the line determined angular position whereby saidpilot gun is moved in its elevation and train planes, means for ad ustlng said 111111110 sighting devlce to a position of parallelism with said sighting device whereby similar movements are applied to said pilot gun, and means associated with said pilot gun for transmitting its movements to the gun.

29. Gun directing apparatus comprising a support, a member rotatably mounted on said support, means for adjusting said memher in accordance with the movements of a remote sighting device, a second member rotatably mounted on said support, a con necting member pivotally connected to said first and second members, means for maintaining said connecting member in a predetermined angular position so that said sec ond member is moved in accordance with the adjustments given the first member, and means for adjusting said second member with relation to said connecting member to apply the elevation correction calculated for the gun.

30. Gun directing apparatus comprising a pedestal, a supporting member mounted on said pedestal so as to be rotatable about a train axis, asecond supporting member mounted on the first so as to be rotatable about said train axis, a pilot gun mounted on said first member, a mimic sighting device mounted on said second member, said pilot gun and mimic telescope being mounted on said supportingimembers to move about intersecting elevation axes at right angles to said train axis, a connecting member pivotally connected to said pilot gun and mimic sighting device, and means for adjusting said connecting member with relation, to said mimic sighting device to a vertical position whereby said supporting members are relatively rotated.-

81. A gun directing apparatus comprising a pilot gun, a mimic sighting device mounted in such relation with said pilot gun that its line of sight intersects the line of fire of said pilot gun, a connected member comprising two relatively adjustable parts forming a pivoted link between said pilot gun. andsaid sighting device, means for maintaining one of the parts of said connecting-member in a predetermined angular position, means for adjusting said pilot gun with relation to said connecting member "to apply the elevation correction'calculate'd for the gun, and means for adjusting the parts of said conmg a pilot gun, a mimic sigting device mounted in such relation with said pilot gun that its line of sight intersects the line of fire of said pilot gun, a connecting member comprising first and second parts pivotally connected to said pilot gun and sighting device respectively, an adjustable connection between said parts permitting relative movement between them in a plane at right angles to said first part, means for adjusting said connecting member above said mimic sighting device to maintain said first part in a vertical position, means for adjusting said pilot gun with relation to said first part tointroduce the elevation correction calculated for the, gun, and means for adjusting said parts with relation to each other to introduce the deflection correction calculated for the gun,

33. Gun directing apparatus comprising a pedestal, a supporting member mounted on said pedestal so as to be rotatable about a train axis, a second supporting member mounted on the first so as to be rotatable about said train axis, a pilot gun mounted on said first member, a mimic sighting de-. vice mounted on said second member, a. connecting member pivotally connected to said pilot gun and mimic sighting device, means for adjusting said pilot gun with relation to said connecting member to introduce elevation corrections, and means for adjusting said connecting member with relation to said mimic sighting device to a predetermined angular position whereby said supporting members are relatively rotated about said train axis.

34. Gun fire control apparatus comprising a pedestal support, a sleeve rotatably mounted about a train axis on said support, a second sleevemounted on the first and rotatable with relation thereto about said train axis, a pilot gun mounted on said first sleeve and rotatable about an elevation axis perpendicular to and intersecting said train axis, a mimic telescope mounted on said-second sleeve and rotatable about'an elevation axis perpendicular to and intersecting said train axis and intersecting the elevation axis of said pilot gun, a connecting member com"- prising a part pivotally mounted on said mimic telescope about the line of sight thereof, means for adjusting said part about its pivot and for holding it in adjusted position, a second part of said connecting member mounted on said first part so as to be adjustable with relation thereto about an axis perpendicular to the line of sight of said mimic sighting device, a pivotal connection between said pilot gun and said second part having for its axis the line of fire of said pilot .gun, means for adjusting said first connecting part on said mimic sighting device so as to maintain said second connecting part vertical, means for adjusting said second part about its axis with relation to the first to introduce deflection corrections, and means for ad uStin'g the pilot gun with relation to said second member to introduce elevation corrections, whereby said pilot gun is moved about itselevation and train axis. 10

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this 8th day of April, 1924.

. EDWARD M'. HEWLETT.

WALDO W. WILLARD. 

